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Depression, Anxiety, and ADHD: A Comprehensive Guide to Three Overlapping Mental Health Challenges
- Dr Titilayo Akinsola
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
Mental health challenges don’t always exist in isolation. In fact, Depression, Anxiety, and ADHD often show up together—overlapping in ways that can be confusing and exhausting for those affected. Understanding these connections is critical for getting the right diagnosis, support, and treatment.
In this article, we’ll explore how these three conditions intersect, how they differ, and why recognizing their unique and shared symptoms matters more than ever in today’s fast-paced world.
What Is Depression?
Depression is more than just feeling sad or down for a few days. It’s a mood disorder that can deeply affect how a person thinks, feels, and functions. Symptoms may include:
Persistent sadness or emptiness
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Fatigue or lack of energy
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Read more: How to recognize the signs of depression
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress—but when it becomes chronic, it can interfere with daily life. People with anxiety often experience:
Excessive worry or fear
Restlessness or feeling on edge
Trouble sleeping
Racing thoughts or difficulty relaxing
Read more: How to recognize the signs of anxiety
What Is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition typically associated with children, but many adults live with it undiagnosed. Common symptoms include:
Difficulty focusing or sustaining attention
Impulsivity
Disorganization
Forgetfulness
Read more: How to recognize the signs of ADHD
How Depression, Anxiety and ADHD Overlap
People with ADHD often report symptoms of anxiety and depression, and vice versa. For example, struggling to stay organized (a core challenge in ADHD) can lead to feelings of failure and hopelessness, triggering depression or anxiety.
At times, the symptoms feed into one another: anxiety causes overthinking, which can lead to inaction, resulting in depressive symptoms. Meanwhile, ADHD-related impulsivity may worsen anxious moments or lead to consequences that intensify depressive episodes.
Shared Symptoms and Unique Differences
Symptom | Depression | Anxiety | ADHD |
Trouble focusing | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Restlessness | ✖️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Fatigue | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✖️ |
Forgetfulness | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔️ |
Irritability | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Recognizing the differences can be just as important as spotting the similarities, especially when crafting an effective treatment plan.
Diagnosis: Why It’s Often Missed or Misunderstood
Due to overlapping symptoms, misdiagnosis is common. A person with ADHD may be misdiagnosed with depression because of focus issues and low motivation, or someone with anxiety may go undiagnosed because their symptoms are seen as stress-related.
That’s why mental health professionals often use comprehensive assessments and multiple conversations to determine what’s truly going on.
Treatment and Management Options
Treatment can be highly effective, but it must be tailored:
For Depression: Therapy (CBT, DBT), medication (SSRIs), lifestyle changes
For Anxiety: CBT, mindfulness-based strategies, medications like SSRIs or benzodiazepines
For ADHD: Behavioral coaching, stimulant or non-stimulant medications, structure/routine building
When two or more of these conditions coexist, treatment should be integrated, not siloed. For instance, addressing both ADHD and anxiety might involve therapy for anxiety combined with executive function coaching for ADHD.
Looking Ahead: What You Can Do Next
Understanding is the first step. If you or someone you love is struggling, consider the following:
Keep a journal of symptoms
Speak with a licensed mental health professional
Explore specialized resources for ADHD, anxiety, or depression
Educate yourself and loved ones—awareness reduces shame and empowers action
Mental health is not a one-size-fits-all journey. With the right support, people can and do thrive.
Additional Resources
How to recognize the signs of ADHD
How to recognize the signs of anxiety
How to recognize the signs of depression
Author Bio
Dr. Titilayo Akinsola is a dual certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner located in Bel Air, Maryland with over 18 years’ experience working in the healthcare industry.
She provides comprehensive mental health evaluations, individually tailored treatment plans, brief therapy and prescribed psychopharmacological medications where indicated.
Dr. Titilayo Akinsola combines evidence-based practices with clinical experience, and if necessary, collaborates with additional providers to deliver safe and effective care. She offers in-person visits as well as virtual visits (through a secure live video connection) to make it easier to connect.
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